I was really looking forward to a glass of wine this evening. Not because I had a bad day or bad week, just because I like wine. So while cooking dinner this evening my wife and I popped open a bottle of Beringer Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Founders’ Estate. In short, it was kind of a let down. There was nothing inherently bad about the wine, it just wasn’t a joy to drink. It’s a young wine, as evidenced not only by the color, vintage, of course, and the aromas, but also the taste. I found it to be a little tart, both at opening and after a few hours of “breathing”, and that just isn’t something I crave in a cabernet. I certainly wasn’t expecting a big bold wine but I was hoping for a little more. It’s easy to drink, and not very tannic……5 Cans.
My back up plan was a beer. Now, they say that men change after marriage, and I truly believe that. I also believe that the fridge is the last bastion of bachelor hood in the house. And that’s not always a good thing. See, I compare my fridge to the pound. Like stray dogs and cats, there’s a bunch of stray beers hiding in my fridge just waiting to get “put down”. Its kind of embarrassing to have a random Christmas ale stowaway, but that’s what I drank tonight.
I bought a six pack of Harpoon’s Winter Warmer around….Christmas. I was trying my damnedest to replicate the majesty of Great Lake Brewing Company’s Christmas Ale, which the Ninja turned me onto a few years back, and which arrives in DC and lasts about as long as a fat kid in dodge ball. Much to my chagrin, it didn’t come close.
That’s not to say that it’s not a good beer. It’s a spiced ale. Warm and earthy with some nice aromas. It’s not my favorite of Harpoon‘s beers–I love their Belgian Pale Ale—but it’s by no means the worst…considering they really don’t make a bad beer.
While factoring in the age handicap, I give it 7 cans.
If you ever find yourself in Boston, skip the Sam Adams Brewery and head to Harpoon instead.
Great Lakes Christmas Ale is a magical brew. I still have a few from my reckless December haul, and actually had one yesterday when I got home. I should have reviewed it, but our rating scale doesn't go high enough. I'd have to give it 10 cans plus 7 or 8 ninja throwing stars. Minimum. That's not fair to everything else we drink.